This was a great first marathon- scenic course, well organized, lots of fuel... However....The early starts, were a VERY bad idea. I felt like i was in an obstacle for the second half of the race and know that i was bottlenecked to the back of a group of runners because of it. Over all it was a great race, but either eliminate the early start/walkers or require them to stay to one side!

Truly more volunteers than spectators, but that's ok. Sleepy Carlsbad residents probably thought the Marathon was actually in San Diego. Well organized with grade-school kids passing out water along the way. Even got aspirin at mile 19 - at least I hope it was aspirin. Started at 6:30; The 7: 30 Kenyans caught up with me at mile 18. The 10 to 20 or so spectators started chanting USA! USA! Thought I was actually in the lead pack. Now that was cool.

I agree with the others who say the elevation map was out of whack. It gives the impression that after mile 13 it is all down hill. NOT. I thank god I drove the course the day before and familiarized myself with the true elevations. Other than that I have no comlaints. This is a well run race.

On the positive, great organization, very friendly staff, ClifShot 6 times on the course and the bands you passed on the way out were still playing on the way back! Everyone went out of their way to help, both on the course and at the expo. Other marathons could take a lesson on how to treat the runners. For the negatives, nice topo map. True, the hills were not killers but after driving it Saturday afternoon even my non-running wife replied 'Wow, why don't they show how the course really is on the map?' The rolling hills with out/back takes it's toll, especially late in the race. I hated having to dodge 'packs' of walkers who started at 5:30a with no concept of race etiquette. After mile 8, you starting running into/around all of the slower runners which took away energy that could have been spent later in the race. The post-race bag of only a banana, M&M's and Special K bar made me happy I kept a PB&J in the car. And could we please get traffic control leaving the race. Over 45 minutes to get out of the mall parking lot was not fun. Great medal but rather dissapointed in the blue race shirt with white screening. How about some color?!?!?

Second time running this course - it's one of the most beautiful with great ocean views and perfect weather for mid-January. The race organizers do a terrific job - well planned with plenty of water and Ultima at all stations. Highly recommended.

? A MUST DO MARATHON? because:
1. Well organized
2. Large numbers of volunteers and cheering fans
3. Plenty of fuels, H2O and ERF on every mile, Cliff Shots every 4-6 miles
4. Beautiful course, very scenic
5. Very manageable and interesting rolling hills
6. Early staring times for slower runners

This had to be one of the biggest events in my life. It had to be the most painful thing I have ever experienced, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. This is for my mom!!!

Great Course lots of hills, lots of bands and people to keep you going. Great support I think I overdosed on Cliff Shot! Early start was lots of fun got to see the top runners, don't get to do that often. Awsome time I will be back next year.

I thought it was a nice course I plan on runnning this marathon some day again.
A very scenic course: Wonderful volunteers but need a little more support from other spectators.

This was my first marathon and I was thoroushly impressed with how well organized it was. Plenty of fuel stops- with over 4 of them handing out Clif Shot- and the volunteers were so nice. I loved the scenery and the temp. was perfect! If you want a mellow (less than 5000 runners) race to enjoy then be sure to hit this one. It was a lot more fun than even this year's Rock and Roll, another SD marathon.